Standing With Those Who Serve
Still Breathing Equine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing no-cost equine-assisted support to active duty service members, veterans, and first responders in the Camp Lejeune region. We believe those who serve deserve support without barriers.
Clinical and behavioral health services play a critical role in supporting service members and veterans. Still Breathing Equine does not replace clinical care; rather, it provides a complementary, non-clinical environment that supports connection, regulation, and peer engagement alongside existing systems of care.
THE NEED
HOW WE SERVE
No-Cost Participation
There are no fees to participate. Still Breathing Equine is fully supported by donations and volunteers so active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders can focus on connection — not cost.
Veteran-Led, Mission-Focused
Founded and led by a combat veteran, Still Breathing Equine is built on shared experience and understanding of military culture. Sessions are guided with trust, structure, and respect for the unique challenges of service.
Equine-Assisted Support
Through structured interactions with horses, participants build regulation, trust, and connection in a calm, non-clinical setting. Sessions are designed to support resilience, self-awareness, and steady engagement.
WHO WE ARE
Still Breathing Equine is a veteran-led nonprofit providing equine-assisted support for active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders.
Through structured interactions with horses, we create a grounded, non-clinical environment that supports trust, connection, and regulation — one moment at a time.
Founded by a combat veteran, our program is built on shared experience, respect, and the belief that healing doesn’t always require words.
Meet the horses
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ARION
THE BIG SHOW
Belgian gelding—and quite possibly the largest Belgian in the United States. We plan on working with Guinness World Records to officially document his size. After spending his first seventeen years as a carriage horse, Arion came to us carrying both an incredible physical presence and a remarkably gentle soul.
Despite being an absolute showstopper, Arion’s heart is pure gold. He has the personality of a loyal dog—happy to follow you wherever you go, or to stand patiently for a good neck scratch (and yes, he’ll politely lower his head so you can reach). Gentle, kind, sweet, and endlessly welcoming, Arion meets everyone exactly where they are, offering connection without expectation and comfort without judgment.
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ATHENA
THE HERD MOM
A Belgian mare whose story is one of survival, vigilance, and quiet power. She came to us after enduring severe abuse, because of that past, Athena is always watching—carefully reading whether she will be met with kindness or harm.Yet it is within that watchfulness that Athena’s greatest gift lives. When she encounters someone carrying their own trauma, something shifts. She recognizes it. In those moments, Athena offers a deep, steady presence—one rooted in immense strength. Not just the strength it took to survive physical pain, but the strength of spirit required to keep going, to remain open, and to keep breathing. Athena teaches that resilience is not loud, and that healing can be shared in silence, one steady moment at a time.
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FREYA
STEADY PRESENCE
This mare who has been part of our herd since she was just six months old. She came to us from the Amish, full of personality and confidence—a sassy filly who knew exactly who she was from day one. Freya has never experienced trauma, and that steady, secure start shows in everything she does.As she’s grown, Freya has settled into a calm, grounded presence. She’s incredibly intuitive, picking up on emotions without a single word being spoken. Whether someone arrives carrying stress, grief, or simply needs quiet company, Freya seems to know—and meets them exactly where they are. She reminds us that strength can be gentle, and that sometimes the most powerful support comes without saying anything at all.
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LOKI
EARNED, NOT GIVEN
Quarter Horse gelding and the only non-draft horse in our herd. Where many of our horses bring steady confidence, Loki brings something just as powerful—deep understanding. Loki knows trauma. While working as a cow horse in Texas, he was involved in a serious barbed-wire accident. It’s an experience that left a mark, not just physically, but emotionally.During that time Loki was treated with a very heavy hand, Because of that, Loki can be hesitant with new people. He takes his time, watches closely, and decides carefully who to trust. But beneath that caution is an incredibly gentle heart. When someone approaches Loki with vulnerability of their own, he meets them there—setting aside his fears to stand quietly, fully present, and unwavering in support. Loki reminds us that healing doesn’t always come from strength alone, but from the courage to be seen and the choice to stay anyway.
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MATTIS
GROWING INTO GREATNESS
Named after Gen. James Mattis —and he’s already living up to his namesake. As Athena’s foal, Mattis carries himself with confidence, presence, and a quietly commanding energy that turns heads without trying.
Bold, curious, and strong-willed, Mattis embodies leadership in the making. He’s observant and engaged, always aware of what’s happening around him, and he meets the world with both grit and intelligence. Whether he’s testing boundaries or standing steady beside his dam, Mattis reminds us that character shows early—and that strength, when grounded, becomes something others naturally follow.
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ODIN
HEAVYWEIGHT EDITION
Belgian gelding whose life has been defined by strength—and, ultimately, by love. He spent the first thirteen years of his life working for the Amish, where his immense size and power meant he was forced to give more and more. Over time, that work left his body arthritic, tired, and slow.
And yet, Odin’s spirit was never broken. His personality remained unchanged—steady, gentle, and kind. Odin carries his strength softly. He is content to stand with someone who needs to tell their story, to be leaned on while they catch their breath, or to quietly offer support until they find the strength to stand on their own again. In every sense, Odin embodies love: patient, unconditional, and unwavering.
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THOR
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Percheron gelding and Derek’s very first horse—making him a true cornerstone of our herd and our story. Confident and full of personality, Thor knows he’s impressive and absolutely loves to show off, especially when there’s an audience.
Despite his larger-than-life presence, Thor is a big softie at heart. He’s generous with affection and always happy to make a new friend—particularly if that friend happens to have cookies. Thor’s combination of confidence, humor, and warmth makes him an instant favorite and a powerful reminder that connection doesn’t have to be complicated… sometimes it’s as simple as showing up, sharing a moment, and maybe a treat or two.
Participation begins with a brief introductory conversation to ensure the right fit and answer any questions.
Before scheduling, all participants complete a short intake form and provide service verification.
Once confirmed, we coordinate your first visit.
Participation is provided at no cost.
A PLACE TO BREATHE
GETTING STARTED
STANDING WITH THOSE WHO SERVE
This mission is sustained entirely by those who believe service deserves support.